Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc. Is Awarded The U.S. Department of Education's Equity Assistance Center Grant For The Mid-Atlantic Region

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 2, 2011, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc. (MAEC) proudly announces it is once again home to the Equity Assistance Center for the Mid-Atlantic Region! This three-year Department of Education grant focuses on providing systemic training and technical assistance to State departments of education, school districts and educators to increase the number of students achieving at high levels through educational civil rights, equity and school reform. The region includes Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

The Mid-Atlantic Equity Center (MAC) will assist educators across 849 school districts to build capacity for cultural proficiency so all students can access rigorous curriculum, be college and career ready, and achieve high levels of academic success. MAC's services include a comprehensive website, a bilingual toll-free hotline, webinars, and trainings. MAC's themes are: STEM courses; culturally proficient teaching; academic achievement for English Language Learners; high school graduation; safe and positive school climates; and family, school and community engagement in education.

"Our staff has over 20 years of experience in equity training. We are eager to share the lessons we've learned in the field to make strides in closing the achievement gaps," said Susan Shaffer, President of MAEC and Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Equity Center. "We have forged strategic partnerships with educators to ensure the program's integrity, including College Summit, Center for Schools and Communities, Flamboyan Foundation, Teaching for Change, and Capstone Institute at Howard University."

Congressman Chris Van Hollen of Maryland stated, "This funding will allow the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium to work with Maryland and other states to close the achievement gap. MAEC has extensive experience in helping communities ensure equitable education opportunities are available and accessible for all children, regardless of race, gender, or national origin."

About Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium
For over 20 years, Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, a private non-profit, has linked educators, families, communities, and students to increase cross-cultural understanding, engagement and social capital to improve student achievement. Our mission is to improve learning outcomes for all students so they can complete college or pursue careers to be successful and productive citizens. Recognizing that educational opportunities are not equal for all, we focus on low-income and culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse students to ensure equity.

SOURCE Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc.